Willis Research Network Partners With Mitiga Solutions on Global Aviation and Aerospace Initiative

LONDON, England, Sept. 18 -- Willis Towers Watson, a risk management, insurance brokerage and advisory company, issued the following news release:

The Willis Research Network (WRN) announces a new partnership with Mitiga Solutions, which will provide leading-edge volcanic ash cloud and sandstorm forecasting to aviation and aerospace clients to optimise air traffic management.

This new partnership will enable airlines, airports and associated organisations in both the public and private sectors to predict and mitigate the impact of natural hazards to air traffic management and aviation operations. Volcanic ash, sandstorms and mineral dust are key hazards for airlines, which affect flight safety, aircraft routes, infrastructure and engine lifetime.

Mitiga Solutions can assess the extent and height of the impact of those hazards in near real-time, at each stage of an aircraft operation and ongoing emergencies, prior to an event for early warning and for efficient management during an emergency. These modelling capabilities can also be used to test and enhance preparedness. Such advances in modelling are expected to help airlines and associated organisations mitigate their exposure, re-route planes, minimise delays and cancellations, and related economic losses.

Andrew Hall, client relationship director, Risk and Strategy, Willis Towers Watson said: "This is a tremendous example of collaborative investment and innovation, and the determination by Willis Towers Watson to understand the risks associated with such a perpetual threat. Most importantly, how to reduce the impact and cost to the aviation eco-system and to increase the safety, efficiency and confidence of such a strategically important but fragile sector."

"We are delighted to partner with Mitiga Solutions on this important initiative, which provides valuable data insight to our aviation and aerospace clients. It puts the WRN at the forefront of applied research for volcanic risk."

Dr Rosa Sobradelo

Senior research manager for earth risks, WRN

Dr Rosa Sobradelo, senior research manager for earth risks, WRN said: "We are delighted to partner with Mitiga Solutions on this important initiative, which provides valuable data insight to our aviation and aerospace clients. It puts the WRN at the forefront of applied research for volcanic risk and reflects Willis Towers Watson's commitment to delivering bespoke risk management solutions."

Dr Alex Marti, CEO, Mitiga Solutions added: "In a short period of time, Mitiga Solutions has been able to disrupt the aviation industry by providing real-time and predictive solutions to mitigate the impact of atmospheric hazards to different aviation stakeholders. Partnerships are at the heart of what we do and working with Willis Towers Watson enables us to scale our work and build the case for the standardised use of scientific predictive models to strengthen aviation safety worldwide."